2018 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · L123 BYJ
2018 Citroen C3 (1.2L, petrol). First registered 01 May 2018. Recorded mileage 123,554 miles. MOT valid until 14 May 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN C3
- Year / Origin
- 2018 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 14 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 123,554 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
L123 BYJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/05/2026
- 123,554 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
L123 BYJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Citroen C3 (L123 BYJ) between May 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”.
L123 BYJ Mileage History
- 06/05/202383,745 mi
- 11/05/2024103,770 mi+20,025 mi
- 29/04/2025113,963 mi+10,193 mi
- 08/05/2026123,554 mi+9,591 mi
- 08/05/2026123,554 mi
Average of roughly 13,241 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Citroën Citroën C3 (Mk3)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to high mileage
When inspecting this specific 1.2L petrol C3, focus heavily on the underside and suspension. The MOT history shows a history of worn suspension arm bushes (2023) and a recent offside rear wheel bearing failure (2026). Ensure these specific repairs were carried out with quality parts and not just a temporary fix.
Ask the seller for evidence of recent maintenance regarding the braking and lighting systems. Given that the central stop lamp has appeared as a failure in two separate MOT tests (2025 and 2026), you should verify that the bulb/unit is fully functional and that there are no underlying electrical issues in the rear light cluster. Finally, check the tyre condition closely, as the 2025 MOT noted uneven wear and perishing on the offside rear tyre.
The 1200cc petrol engine is generally positioned in a lower insurance group and tax band, making it relatively economical for urban driving. Fuel economy should be decent for a small hatchback, though high mileage may impact long-term component efficiency.
Maintenance costs for this vehicle may be higher than average due to the frequency of suspension and bearing-related MOT failures. Expect to budget more frequently for consumables like tyres, brake components, and suspension bushings. An estimated annual running cost of £1,100-£1,400 should account for fuel, tax, insurance, and the likely need for mid-range mechanical repairs.
A priority inspection point for this vehicle is the rear axle and wheel assembly. The May 2026 failure specifically cited excessive play in the offside rear wheel bearing; you should check for any humming or grinding noises from the rear when test driving. Additionally, re-examine the front suspension, as the 2023 MOT recorded worn bushes on both the nearside and offside front arms.
Secondly, check the electrical integrity of the rear lighting. Because the central stop lamp has failed multiple times, inspect the rear light housing for moisture ingress or loose connections. Lastly, given the high mileage of 123,554, inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks and check the service history for evidence of timing belt changes, which are critical for this engine size at this mileage.
This 2018 silver Citroen C3 has covered 123,554 miles in approximately eight years, which is significantly higher than the UK average for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of failures related to lighting and suspension components, including a recent wheel bearing failure in May 2026. While it passed its latest test with no defects, the high mileage and history of advisories require careful scrutiny.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Citroen C3 model to provide a comparative benchmark.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
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CITROEN C3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2018 model year cars.
- 1.2 PureTech "Wet Belt" DegradationSerious
The timing belt runs in oil and can degrade, shedding debris that blocks the oil pickup. This leads to oil starvation, vacuum pump failure, and a dangerous loss of braking assistance (Recall R/2020/331).
- AdBlue Tank and Pump FailureSerious
The AdBlue system on BlueHDi diesels is prone to pump failure, often requiring a full tank replacement.
- Exhaust Back Box DetachmentModerate
The exhaust back box support rod or joint can corrode prematurely, causing the muffler to hang low or detach entirely.
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